Good comparison of two major RS competitors

[TriangleRider]

https://youtu.be/plxndpn2608

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[Grumpy Goat]

https://youtu.be/plxndpn2608

Damn! You beat me to the punch! I was just about to start a new thread with a segue from my other thread on the asinine BMW Motorrad marketing strategy when it comes to the RS.

[Ray]

Question: Is it a sport tourer if it doesn't use clip-ons?

[runnerhiker]

Question: Is it a sport tourer if it doesn't use clip-ons?

For clip ons, look at the Kawasaki NINJA H2 SX SE for $27.5k USD, price range and features, it's closer to the BMW's.

These are two very nice sport tourers, I like them, I am glad to see them. But I won't trade in my RS nor my XR for one of them. I bought a Kawasaki ZH2 four months ago, a super naked, and I agree with the testers on Kawi ergo's, fit & finish, engine smoothness, and refinement in general.

   

[Ray]

Question: Is it a sport tourer if it doesn't use clip-ons?

For clip ons, look at the Kawasaki NINJA H2 SX SE for $27.5k USD, price range and features, it's closer to the BMW's.

I have. A lot of extra money for clip-ons....

That said, I'll probably find an excuse to get out on one if our local dealers can get an extra one on the floor. Always had a fond spot for the Kawis since riding one of Keith Code's track-prepped 600s in 1991.

Lots of electronics, and it looks like they finally have the suspension sorted, but do I really want to start messing with a motorcycle chain again on a 600-pound beast?

In the end, the mass and chain are likely deal breakers..., I mean, as long as there's some semblance of a lighter sport tourer out there with shaft drive....

[runnerhiker]

In the end, the mass and chain are likely deal breakers..., I mean, as long as there's some semblance of a lighter sport tourer out there with shaft drive....

The H2 engine is really, really, really, a lot of fun. But it's thirsty, mine gets 35 mpg on "normal" riding and I can squeeze 40 mpg when I take it easy.

BMW has absolutely hit the best overall balance of all trade off's when they designed the RS. Shaft, weight, power, electronics, ergo, accessories, etc. The best balance. Everything else is just a toy, and toys are ok.

[maxredline]

I am sure both the Kawasaki and Suzuki would work just fine for most after making a few personal mods. The deal breaker for me is the inline 4 engine.

[Grumpy Goat]

I am sure both the Kawasaki and Suzuki would work just fine for most after making a few personal mods. The deal breaker for me is the inline 4 engine.

I'll bite ... what's wrong with the I4 engine?

[maxredline]

I'll bite ... what's wrong with the I4 engine?

LOL GG.
For me I like twins as they produce their peak power and torque at lower engine speeds than four-cylinders.

[Grumpy Goat]

LOL GG.
For me I like twins as they produce their peak power and torque at lower engine speeds than four-cylinders.

Careful there. That’s what Harley people like. ?

I hear you though, and when it comes to long distance riding, higher revving gets pretty old pretty darned quick. That actually killed the XR I was drooling over before I tried the RS. Triples geared properly are quite satisfying also.


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[maxredline]

Haha Harley people, they have some stuff right. Torque, parties, among other things. Cast iron frames not being one of them.
XR 1000, nice bike but not for me.
I just like to lug engines.

Without Prejudice, views may change yearly.

[TriangleRider]

I hear you though, and when it comes to long distance riding, higher revving gets pretty old pretty darned quick. That actually killed the XR I was drooling over before I tried the RS. Triples geared properly are quite satisfying also.


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I loved my K1300S. It was a fantastic beast, but I traded it in for the RS. The four-cylinder motor was killer, but never really happy until over 6K and I finally got tired of the bike always reminding me that I wasn't riding it properly. The RS is much more forgiving of me wanting to keep my license, although I still miss the top-end rush of the K.